An Indian worker tragically lost his life, and three others were injured in a recent drone attack in the Moscow region, as reported by the Indian embassy in Russia. This incident occurred during one of the largest drone strikes targeting Russia, which resulted in at least four fatalities, with three occurring near Moscow, and left many others wounded.
Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, it is estimated that around 22 Indians have died, making this the first reported Indian casualty in the Moscow area. In a statement shared on social media platform X, the Indian embassy confirmed, “One Indian worker has lost his life and three others have been injured in a drone attack in the Moscow region earlier today. Embassy officials have visited the site and met with the injured workers in the hospital.”
The embassy extended its condolences for the loss and is collaborating with local authorities and the company involved to provide support for the affected workers. Though specifics regarding the identities of the deceased or injured were not shared, the Russian embassy in New Delhi expressed its sorrow, attributing the attack to Ukraine. The Indian embassy did not provide a similar assertion about the origins of the drone strike.
Local reports indicated that over 12 people were injured, with casualties occurring across Moscow and its surrounding areas, including three fatalities and additional injuries in the village of Pogorelki. The Russian news agency TASS mentioned that air defenses intercepted more than 120 drones aimed at Moscow within a span of 24 hours, with 81 drones being destroyed shortly after midnight.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged the drone strikes, stating that they were “entirely justified.” The conflict has seen Russia conducting various attacks on Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv.
In previous discussions, concerns have arisen regarding foreign nationals, including many from India, being drawn to Russia with promises of good job opportunities, only to find themselves forced into military service. The Indian government has previously reported that some of these individuals have died or gone missing during their forced enlistment.
This latest incident of violence in the Moscow region marks a notable shift, as it is the first casualty of an Indian national in this area, distinguished from previous fatalities that occurred in the conflict’s frontline.
